Astragalus Root/Echinacea Purpurea/Cat's Claw

Astragalus is also known by the names Milk Vetch, Locoweed, Yellow Vetch, Poison Vetch, and Chinese Astragalus. The common name "Astragalus" also includes the species Astragalus mongolicus, Astragalus chinensis, and Astragalus complanatus, which are used interchangeably with Astragalus membranaceus. The Chinese have used Astragalus for many thousands of years as a superior tonic that is often combined with ginseng for replenishing a persons vital energy. The root of this plant is said to strengthen the body's surface resistance and is supposed to invigorate and promote tissue regeneration. It's also been seen as an immune system stimulant as well as a protector of adrenal cortical function. Some say that Astragalus shows promise to support cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy therapies, and may also help fight against environmental allergies, but more scientific evidence is needed to affirm these considerations. Astragalus contains numerous constituents, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, amino acids, and trace minerals. Astragalus Root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions.

Echinacea is native to North America, and is one of the most popular herbs today in both North America and Europe. Echinacea was first used in Native American sweat lodges to help the participants endure extreme temperatures. It was a popular medicine in America during the 1920's, but fell into disuse with the introduction of sulfa drugs. With natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, Echinacea purpurea is best know for its ability to kick-start the immune system, stimulating the production of white blood cells. Echinacea purpurea contains iron, iodine, copper, potassium, sulphur, and Vitamins A, E and C. Echinacea offers the body an overall feeling of well being, and for this reason studies of Echinacea continue today. Contributing to the bodies natural ability to fight infection, Echinacea is commonly referred to as the natural antibiotic and commonly used to fight infection caused by common colds and flu. Echinacea may also be used for reducing inflammation caused by respiratory problems, bronchitis, strep throat and enlarged prostate glands. Echinacea also contains the fat-soluble flavonoids, luteolin, Quercetin, and Rutin.

Cat's Claw is called "Opener of the Way" because of its well-known cleansing properties. Native to South America, Cat's Claw has claw-like spines on its stems, hence the name. It is a giant woody vine that can grow over 100 feet. The root and bark of Cat's Claw is used by the indigenous peoples of the Rainforest for birth control, arthritic conditions, asthma, cancer, fevers, ulcers, menstrual regulation, general weakness, wounds, detoxification, and rejuvenation. In most areas, only the inner bark of the plant is harvested, so that the root can be left to regenerate for future harvesting. The inner bark provides all of the beneficial alkaloids found in this medicinal plant. Cat's Claw contains powerful antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins, which help fight against free radical damage, strengthen the cardiovascular and immune systems, protect collagen, and reduce swelling and inflammation. Cat's Claw is considered beneficial not only for the immune system, but for the digestive and structural systems as well. Cat's Claw helps to activate macrophages, lymphocytes and leukocytes. It also inhibits blood platelet aggregation. Research on this plant is very recent, but more needs to be done.